Counsels on the Spiritual Life

by Thomas à Kempis, Leo Sherley-Price (Translation)

One of 60 low-priced classic texts published to celebrate Penguin's 60th anniversary. All the titles are extracts from "Penguin Classics" titles.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Religion, Theology

86 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Thomas Hammerken (or Hammerlein -- both mean "little hammer") / Thomas de Kempis / Thomas Hamerken von Kempen was born at Kempen (hence the "A Kempis") in the duchy of Cleves in Germany around 1380. He was educated by a religious order called the Brethren of the Common Life, and in due course joined the order, was ordained a priest, became sub-prior of his house (in the low Countries), and died 25 July 1471 (his feast is observed a day early to avoid conflict with that of James bar-Zebedee the Apostle).

Thomas is known almost entirely for composing or compiling a manual of spiritual advice known as The Imitation of Christ, in which he urges the reader to seek to follow the example of Jesus Christ and to be conformed in all things to His will.

Reviews

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Speaking from the point of view of someone who considers themselves non-relgious , I can certainly appreciate the simplicity of this book. Kempis simplifies Christianity and how to live a life devoted to god. There are some good teachings about universal ethics such as humility, generosity and love. Other teachings were lost on me as they seemed impractical and almost impossible to apply in the 21st century.

[Elisha (lishie) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect read, much needed.

[Shayan Sengupta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would say it was quite well written for its time period. However, 21st century comprises of more complex and challenging lifestyle than ever before. We can't simply live our lives by pursuing a monastic lifestyle. We gotta work real hard and adapt ourselves to stand in this modern era. The language of the book was quite good in my opinion as it added few words to my vocabulary. It took me about an hour to read it. Perhaps I'm not religious enough to appreciate the beauty of this religious literature. But according to my understanding, this book only portraits religion as a negative knowledge. It only gives us the knowledge about what is prohibited instead of what is allowed. It suggests that we should forget all our bodily desires and follow a sacred lifestyle without materialism. To some extends it is right. However, it takes a wrong take when we start punishing ourselves ruthlessly for desiring something. It is worth reading though cause it won't take you more than an hour. It's always good to know the other side of the story.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The short reflections in this little book may a thoughtful bedtime read. There is much to be learned from ancient writers. A lost simplicity to be rediscovered but other things to question. There is plenty for the person of faith or none but I hope it inspires you too.

[rania · Rating 3 out of 5]

it is ! so interesting ! to look at the evolution of religion !

i love it !

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, practical book on the spiritual life with short, digestible chapters.

[Sean · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is much in this writing that is useful and helpful to one's spiritual path, but there is much that is not. For the average person who has no intention to become a monk many of the suggestions are impossibilities or very much impractical. Perhaps it is largely because my view of monastic life as being generally unhelpful; many of the precepts and the few praises are based on a monks life so its natural that I would find issue with many of these things.

There is much I agree with, especially the darker aspects on the realities of life and death. It is true that life is a temporary thing and that men are fickle and deserving of tribulations, death, and hellfire. However, I do not see the purpose in yearning for death and release. I cannot believe that we are here to suffer, there is far too much beauty in God's creation for me to believe that. It is certainly beneficial to be reminded of these things, but it is damaging to dwell on them too much. I protest the derision to the social nature of man, which we have always been even before sin, even as I agree on the principle of self-control, especially that of the tongue. If it were not for others then we would never grow and never have the opportunity for Christ to show through us. Monks labor to their own, separate from society which benefits little. We are not called to hide ourselves away, but to be shown. Faith without works is dead.

The subject of the body is also one that has points that I agree and disagree with. Lusts of the flesh are problematic spiritually and often physically, however outright denying needs is not something that I can see as beneficial or saintly. The body must be maintained for the mind to work and for one to be in full control of themselves. Further, it is not beneficial for the community for that community to be malnourished or ill-maintained physically. The body has needs that should be met well. The body will grow sick, frail, and pass away, but we are within the body and the longer the body may do work, the longer we may do God's will.

Unfortunately, I see a better title as being "Counsels on the Miserable Life". There are some who will thrive and are called to this kind of life, but without that inherent call of God I do not feel that most will find anything other than grief, frustration, and emptiness in implimentation of this book as a whole.

Not sure why 2 stars is 'its ok', seems like it would be 3, but that's what the system says so its what I'm going with.

[IceQueen❄️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This, hands down, my favorite Half Price Books find—still true to this day (2026).

This is one of those quiet, weighty books that you don’t rush through. It’s meant to be read slowly, revisited often, and sat with. The reflections are simple but deeply convicting, focused on humility, discipline, self-examination, and drawing closer to God in everyday life—not through grand gestures, but through intention and inner work.

It’s timeless in the best way. Nothing about it feels trendy or performative; it’s steady and honest. A book I’ll always keep and return to.